For the multitude of different professions working witin the marine environment, the role of ocean technology in serving society is one that sees it rightfully take its place as one of the world’s highest profile industries.
Such a profile requires constant proactive interaction between all the users of the oceans if they are to meet the expectations of the inter-national community.
With the devastating impact of natural hazards fresh in the minds of so many people, the topicality of the world’s largest ocean technology and marine science event – OI06 – is beyond compare. With special sessions at OI06 and its related sister show Spill 06 dedicated to subjects including tsunamis, Hurricane Katrina, ocean resource management, security and safety, the agenda-setting conference and exhibition will once again act as the seminal event for the ocean community.
In addition to the exhibition, that has grown considerably since leaving Brighton in 2000, the event is also eagerly awaited by conference delegates looking forward to the industry’s
leading ocean science and technology conference, this year chaired by industry heavy-weight, Dr Richard Spinrad, Assistant Administrator at NOAA Research.
The conference theme, ‘Ocean Technology in Service to Society’ will cover a range of international science, research and commercial issues. The no-fee policy at Oi06 enables visitors to attend sessions from disciplines other than their own, enhancing the cross-fertilisation of ideas between a various specialist disciplines.
Along the Dockside
Exhibit-side ship displays were a remarkable sight at Oi 2004 - and one of its outstanding features.
The event sees an impressive array of vessels berthed alongside the ExCeL dock, immediately adjacent to the exhibits area. For the upcoming show, at least a dozen will participate with the quayside now fully booked. This gives visitors the chance to view survey equipment on board hydrographic ships and also to enjoy refreshments in purpose-built hospitality cruise liners.
Source: Mark Thomas, Spearhead Exhibitions |
